Look Straight Ahead

In her debut graphic novel, Will expertly illustrates the regenerative power of art as depicted in the story of aspiring artist Jeremy Knowles. A seemingly typical angst-ridden teen, Jeremy suffers a mental breakdown after feeling he is the target of hypocrisy at every turn. Jeremy uses his art to try to make sense of the world. His confusion manifests itself in a book of incomprehensible glyphs that he pens and claims were given to him by God. He is haunted by feelings of inadequacy, which take the form of an imagined demon who taunts him to end his life. Ultimately, Jeremy realizes that, as with his drawings, he can take control of the direction and form of his life, flip a page, and start anew. Will's art is as emotive as her story, and the work is peppered with rich layouts that contribute to the puzzle that the protagonist and the reader must solve.